Macon-Bibb awards $273,798 in CDBG grants to local nonprofits, hearing overview of program rules

The Macon-Bibb County Commission on Tuesday approved seven Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards totaling $273,798 to local nonprofits, following a presentation on program rules and eligibility by county staff.

County community development coordinator Wenzina Jackson told commissioners that CDBG funds are formula grants administered under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and are intended “to provide services for viable communities, to provide services for low to moderate income individuals.” She said the program requires a consolidated plan and annual action plans and noted income limits used to determine eligibility — “a family of 4 could not make more than $56,550 to apply for our programs,” she said.

Jackson reviewed national objectives that CDBG-funded projects must meet and outlined eligible activities, including public services (capped at 15 percent of an allocation), program administration…